News
WISCONSIN BOARD FOR PEOPLE WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES: Youth Leadership Forum Applications Open
By SD Network, 2022-02-05
The Wisconsin Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) is a week-long, overnight leadership training and career awareness program for high school sophomores, juniors and seniors with disabilities.
When/Where:
July 10 – 15, 2022 at Edgewood College in Madison, WI
The Youth Leadership Forum is for:
- Students who show leadership potential by being active in their school and community
- Students who have a disability (physical, learning, cognitive, emotional, sensory, etc.)
- Wisconsin residents
- Students who are currently sophomores, juniors or seniors in high school
Why Attend the Youth Leadership Forum:
- Learn more about college and career options
- Make connections with other young leaders in our state.
- Meet your state legislator
- Connect with energetic staff and speakers from across the state
- Have fun at a dance and talent show and many other memories you’ll never forget!
To Apply:
Complete the application by April 1, 2022.
Contact Jenny Neugart at jennifer.neugart@ wisconsin.gov if you have any questions.
PRESSWIRE.COM: Almost half of business leaders believe there aren't enough candidates with a disability despite over 1M disabled people wanting to work
By SD Network, 2022-02-03
New research shows that almost half of businesses believe that the key barrier to hiring people with disabilities is the lack of candidates. However, misconceptions, lack of representation, and taboos continue to be a significant factor in recruitment policies.
The National Alliance for Caregiving recently released Caregiving in a Diverse America: Understanding the Systemic Challenges Facing Family Caregivers in the U.S., a report based on results of the Caregiving in the U.S. 2020 study. The report highlights disparities in support, caregiving intensity, health and financial impacts among diverse caregivers. The report emphasizes the importance of considering culture and identity when facilitating access to programs, services and resources and tailoring support to meet the unique needs of caregivers. With much more work to be done, the report identifies key themes and areas of future research that are needed to meaningfully improve the caregiver experience.
CENTER FOR HEALTH CARE STRATEGIES: Four Ways to Strengthen the Direct Care Workforce
By SD Network, 2022-02-01
Direct care workers provide hands-on support to older adults and people with disabilities. For years, there has been a national shortage. Low wages, long hours, few benefits, and the demanding nature of the work has led to high turnover rates and this shortage. A recent report done by the Center for Health Care Strategies drew four key recommendations.
1.. Focus and organize state-level and advocacy efforts related to the direct care workforce shortage- The commitment of state leaders to a common goal is very important for making progress in the workforce shortage.
2. Use federal funding and flexibilities- the Build Back Better Act has potential, but is uncertain. There are other ways to access federal funding and flexibilities to support the workforce.
3. Prioritize DCW-related goals in Medicaid managed care contracts- Many states use managed care contracts for Medicaid services. States could use their contracts to expand and strengthen their workforce.
4. Recognize the deep value and importance of the profession- From the start, caregiving isn't consistently valued. States could promote the value and importance of the profession.
ADMINISTRATION FOR COMMUNITY LIVING: White House seeks input on strengthening community health through technology
By SD Network, 2022-01-31
The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) has published a request for information (RFI) soliciting information on how digital health technologies are used, or could be used in the future, to transform community health, individual wellness, and health equity. Comments are due by 5:00 PM ET on February 28 and can be submitted via email to connectedhealth@ostp.eop.gov or via phone at 202-456-3030.
The RFI specifically requests input on several areas of interest to ACL’s networks, including:
- Barriers to the use of digital health technologies in community-based settings faced by individuals or organizations. Read more
PUBLIC NEWS SERVICE: Biden Administration Aims to Expand Home-Based Care for Medicaid Recipients
By SD Network, 2022-01-31
Advocates are hopeful that the Build Back Better Act will move forward in some form. The Act aims to expand access to services for people with disabilities. This would include better pay for home-based care Workers. Lawmakers say Build Back Better will probably pass year, but it's unclear whether the $150 million tentatively saved for Medicaid Home-and-community-based services will remain.
DISABILITY SCOOP: Supreme Court Ruling Means Fewer Disability Providers Face Vaccine Mandate
By SD Network, 2022-01-24
Some workers supporting people with developmental disabilities across the nation will still be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 despite a recent ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court blocking a wider mandate. The high court struck down a mandate requiring vaccines or regular testing for employees of big companies The court upheld a rule requiring workers at facilities, home health agencies, and other providers that receive Medicaid or Medicare funding to be vaccinated.
After a recent defeat, Disability Rights Wisconsin is moving forward. The recent package includes a paper ballot mandate which poses a problem for some voters with disabilities. The current law does not include such mandate and some voters already use accessible voting machines.
